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Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese soup is a creamy, flavorful soup that is literally ready in minutes! The cheesy soup base pairs perfectly with tender broccoli and matchstick carrots. This soup will be your family’s new favorite, goodbye Panera Bread, hello Instant Pot! 

Broccoli Cheese or Broccoli Cheddar Soup made in the Instant Pot

Love Soup? Try my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup and Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup!

Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Instant Pot) – Better than Panera!

True Fact: I was a picky child. I know, I’ve talked all about that here before but it is so true and relevant to this recipe I have to bring it up again.

Also true fact: I was probably in my teens before I even tried this soup. Really. (I know, was I living under a rock? No, just picky and stubborn. ?)

Then, I was pregnant with Chase and I craved it. I even went to Panera with some friends and got this soup! I was shocked. It was kind of like an out of body experience because I just couldn’t believe myself.

You know what I didn’t believe even more? I liked it. Really liked it! And I had missed out on it my entire life!

I didn’t think in a million years I’d say it, but the Cheese and broccoli go together like a PB&J. They are meant for each other and they are meant to go into the Instant Pot!

Are you ready for your mind to be blown away? It couldn’t be easier.. or faster!

finished broccoli cheese soup in the Instant Pot

Instant Pot Broccoli Soup ingredients

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 cups minced yellow onion
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 1/2 cups matchstick carrots
  • 1 tsp minced garlic, dried
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mild cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water

How to make Cheddar and Broccoli Soup

1 – Toss (literally ?) chicken broth, minced onion, broccoli, matchstick carrots, minced garlic (I always use the dried stuff!), salt and pepper into the Instant Pot.

broccoli, carrots, broth and seasonings in the Instant Pot

Notice that the broccoli isn’t broken down extremely small. I just washed and cut the broccoli into it’s natural florets. They are abut the size you would serve on a veggie tray.

2 – Cook on Manual (or pressure cook) HIGH for 2 minutes, NPR 3 minutes before releasing the pressure manually.

3 – Stir in heavy cream. Set the Instant Pot to saute LOW and bring the temperature back up to an almost simmer.

4 – Gradually stir in your cheese. I like to use a little mild cheddar and parmesan cheese.

heavy cream and cheeses are added to the broccoli cheese soup

5 – Once the cheese has completely melted into the soup, make a cornstarch and water slurry. Slowly add it to the soup stirring until it thickens to your liking.

6 – Serve hot! But don’t burn your mouth on it, like I did. ?

broccoli cheese soup

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup FAQs

Is fresh or frozen broccoli better for soup?

Either one will work. The time will change though – You’ll want to cook the soup for 0 minutes if using frozen broccoli! Nope, not a typo, promise!

Can I use pre-shredded cheese while making this Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe?

You can, but be aware that the pre-shredded cheese sometimes leaves a grainy texture. Every now and then it has a hard time melting into the soup and will clump together and sink to the bottom. I would suggest grating your own if possible!

Why won’t my cheese melt in my broccoli cheddar soup?

Don’t fear!! Turn your Instant Pot onto saute and heat everything up again until boiling, stirring the entire time. This should be enough to get that cheese melted. *Note: do not bring the soup up to boiling if you’ve used anything other than heavy cream.*

Can I substitute milk or half ‘n half for the heavy cream?

You can, but you’ll need to be extremely careful. Milk will curdle if poured into the hot broth and broccoli. You’ll either need to temper the milk before adding it or let the Instant Pot contents cool down before adding. Once the milk or half n half is added, do not bring the soup up to a full boil, again it will curdle.

Why did my broccoli cheddar soup break?

If your soup separates and becomes curdled that is because you have boiled it after adding in the cheese. Try to avoid letting the soup boil after this point, just heat until hot, not boiling.

How do you thicken broccoli and cheddar soup?

There are several ways to thicken broccoli and cheddar soup. One option is to use a thickener such as flour, cornstarch, or potato starch. To do this, mix a small amount of the thickener with a little bit of cold water to form a slurry. Slowly stir the slurry into the soup, then bring the soup to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until it has reached your desired consistency.

broccoli and cheese soup

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Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese soup is a creamy, flavorful soup that is literally ready in minutes! The cheesy soup base pairs perfectly with tender broccoli and matchstick carrots. This soup will be your family's new favorite, good bye Panera Bread, hello Instant Pot! |Cooking with Karli| #soup #panera #broccolicheese #cheddar #broccoli #recipe #instantpot #pressurecooker

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4.56 from 96 votes

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese soup is a creamy, flavorful soup that is literally ready in minutes! The cheesy soup base pairs perfectly with tender broccoli and matchstick carrots. This soup will be your family’s new favorite, good bye Panera Bread, hello Instant Pot! 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Additional Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients 

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 3/4 cups minced yellow onion
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 1/2 cups matchstick carrots
  • 1 tsp minced garlic, dried
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mild cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions 

  • Add the chicken broth, onion, broccoli, carrots, garlic, salt and pepper to the Instant Pot.
  • Cook on Manual (or pressure cook) HIGH for 2 minutes. Allow for a 3 minute NPR before releasing the pressure manually.
  • Remove lid and stir in the heavy cream. Set the Instant Pot to Saute LOW and heat until it almost begins to simmer. Turn the Instant Pot off.
  • Once heated, gradually stir in the parmesan and cheddar cheeses.
  • Make a slurry with the cornstarch and water. Slowly add it to the soup until it thickens to your liking.
  • Serve hot!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 733kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 37g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 183mg | Sodium: 1438mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 11g
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

About Karli Bitner

This blog is a little glimpse into my kitchen, family & life. I hope you’ll giggle the days away with me and enjoy the craziness that goes on at my house. If you are Cookie obsessed like I am, check out my Sister Site, Cookies for Days.

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89 Comments

  1. So if using frozen broccoli you are saying to not pressure cook it at all and just move to the saute mode to a slow simmer step? I don’t get it so hoping you can expand.

  2. Hi Kim, you will pressure cook it still, but adjust the time to zero minutes. This will basically bring your Instant Pot up to pressure and then it will beep indicating the cook cycle is complete. Follow the rest of the directions as stated. 🙂

  3. 5 stars
    I don’t ever leave comments on blogs but I had to for this recipe. This is hands down my ultimate favorite recipe for cheddar broccoli soup!!! It’s better than Panera’s and it’s super simple and cheap! I make this at least once a month, it’s delicious!!

  4. Alex, you’ve made my day!! Thank you for taking the time to come and leave a positive review and comment. I am so glad you enjoy this soup so much!!

  5. 5 stars
    I made this today. Super easy and I like that it has parmesan cheese in it too. That’s a nice change. The soup is delicious!

  6. 5 stars
    OM! This is so delish. Much better than the chain brand and easy to make. Served with a salad and bread.

  7. 5 stars
    This recipe is so so easy and so delicious. Pair it with some garlic bread and you won’t be disappointed. Broccoli and cheese soup is a childhood favorite of mine and this was spot on bringing back all the feels!